By Peter Thompson

The Loftus Road chief believes the Brazil international is likely to finally seal a move away from the west London club in January.

QPR chairman Tony Fernandes expects Julio Cesar to leave the club this month amid reports the goalkeeper is set to return to Italy.

The Brazil international was one of few players to impress in a dismal 2012-13 campaign that saw the club relegated, but an expected summer move away from Loftus Road never materialized and the 34-year-old has since fallen behind Robert Green in the pecking order.

With just one appearance for Harry Redknapp's side this season, the former Inter shot-stopper is likely to leave as he eyes more game time ahead of the World Cup - and Fernandes is anticipating a January exit.

When asked if Cesar is likely to leave Loftus Road this month, Fernandes told Sky Sports News: "I think so. It's a waste for someone with such immense talent not playing and I think he is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, so I'm sure someone will pick him up and let's see how that goes.

"We've gone with Rob [Green] because at the beginning of the season we thought Julio wouldn't be there. Rob has come in and done a fantastic job and I think he could be pushing for an England place - he's played really well. Just look at the last game [a 2-1 home victory over Huddersfield Town on Saturday]. He kept us in the game until we came back and won. He's been superb."